SPORTS

This was one of Hattie Rodriguez’s 10 kills during a 2019 match with VCU.

RICHMOND, Va. — Despite losing in three-straight sets, 25-18, 25-21, 25-20, the Davidson volleyball team battled VCU on Saturday and matched the Rams’ presence at the net, as each team notched 37 kills apiece. 

The ‘Cats hit .106 on the day, recording a game-best .209 attack percentage in the second set. For VCU, the Rams hit .190 and had their best showing in the first with 16 kills and a .293 percentage during the frame. Davidson’s Hattie Rodriguez picked up the match-high 14 kills, while freshmen Bella Brady picked up 15 digs. Junior outside hitter Malia Kay was solid all around, recording eight kills to go along with 13 digs. 

VCU jumped out to a 5-0 run to begin the match, backed by three consecutive kills from the Rams and two errors on the ‘Cats. Trailing 16-9 early, Davidson rattled off a three-point run of its own capped off by a Rodriguez-Brady kill and made it a 16-12 game. The Rams’ Qairo Bentley continued her strong attack at the net, and produced three more kills to steal the first set, 25-18.

Davidson would be the one to lead through the majority of the second set, as Sola Omonije, Kay and Rodriguez combined for five early kills. With a 9-8 lead, the Rams turned the tide and produced a 6-1 run while capitalizing off Wildcat miscues. Down 20-16, Syndey Champaigne anchored the offense and led the ‘Cats to three-straight points to cut the deficit to one. Despite the surge, three attack errors for Davidson allowed the Rams to win the second, 25-21.

In the final set, the ‘Cats out-hit the Rams .061 to .023, but four service aces for VCU powered the home team past Davidson for the match clincher.

Saturday’s contest concludes the 2021 spring season for the Wildcats, as they look to return to the court next fall.